New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis: ‘I don’t plan on leaving’

Anthony Davis continues to be part of various trade rumors as the February 23 deadline approaches. However, the No. 1 overall pick of 2012 NBA draft made it clear that he will remain loyal with the New Orleans Pelicans.

“I don’t plan on leaving, so make sure you write that down,” Davis said when asked about trade speculation. “I don’t pay attention to (the rumors). I don’t know who said it or how it came about. I’m with the Pelicans right now.”

The Pelicans struggled to get their first win earlier this season, heating up the speculations that Anthony Davis will be traded. As most people think, a player of Davis caliber will bring a plethora of assets enough for the Pelicans to undergo a full-scale rebuild. Fortunately, they showed some improvements and won 22 games this season.

Anthony Davis believes the New Orleans Pelicans are playoff contenders

Davis remains optimistic with the Pelicans and believes with their capability to beat any teams in the league. In January, New Orleans managed to beat West contender San Antonio Spurs and the reigning NBA champions Cleveland Cavaliers. Unfortunately, injury continues to keep them away from winning multiple games.

“We’ve got to find a way to keep fighting,” Davis said. “We have a team that is able to compete for the playoffs. We showed that a couple of times this year (in January wins against the Cavaliers and Spurs). We feel we are just as good as any other team in this league. We just need to find a way to stay a little more healthy and be a little more consistent.”

According to a report, Buddy Hield is the only Pelican who managed to play all 56 games. Anthony Davis missed four contest while guard Jrue Holiday and former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans were sidelined most of the regular season games due to injury.

Davis not like LeBron James

Unlike LeBron James, Anthony Davis doesn’t pressure the Pelicans to upgrade their roster. Davis just lets the front office do their job but open to giving his opinion whenever necessary. So far, the Pelicans have been active on the trade market looking for another big man to pair with Davis.

Davis played his four seasons as a power forward. However, when coach Alvin Gentry decided to use a smaller lineup, Davis was forced to play at 5. He admitted that he prefers to play at 4 but is willing to play at the center to help the team.

So far, Jahlil Okafor and Brook Lopez has emerged as the top trade target in New Orleans. Zach Lowe of ESPN reported the Pelicans are one of the NBA teams who expressed interest in Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson.